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How to Make a Rubber Band Car With Rolling CD Wheels

Kids who make a rubber band car with rolling CD wheels can learn about the basics of engineering and design. This project shows students how to follow a blueprint to create a working mechanical object. It helps that this particular object goes fast and looks cool, too. This is an activity that can be used in a classroom setting for educational purposes, or it can be used at home as entertainment.

Things You'll Need

5-inch-by-6-inch piece of corrugated cardboard cut so that the holes are visible on the long edges of the piece
Ruler
Scissors
Wooden skewer
Tape
2 1/4-inch faucet washers
2 CDs
Poster putty

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a notch in the cardboard that is 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches long. Make sure the notch is cut so the corrugated sides of the cardboard piece are on the left and right, not front and back.
- 2
  Slide the skewer through the cardboard so that it passes through the center of the notch. The skewer will act as the axle on the car. Turn the skewer a few times to eliminate any resistance created by the cardboard.
- 3
  Wrap a piece of tape around the center of the axle where it passes through the notch. Leave about 1/4 inch of excess tape standing straight up on the axle. The tape is going to be what catches the rubber band and wraps it around the axle, so it may be necessary to twist the excess so that it is strong enough for the job. Use extra tape or multiple layers if needed.
- 4
  Slide a CD, then a washer, onto one end of the axle. The washer will fit snugly in the center hole of the CD. Leave as much space as possible between the cardboard body and the wheel. Secure the washer and CD to the axle by sandwiching the center hole (with the washer inside it) with poster putty. Squeeze the putty tightly around the wheel to secure it in place. Repeat the process to mount the remaining CD and washer to the other side of the axle.
- 5
  Tape one end of the rubber band to the cardboard body on the opposite side of the notch. Stretch the rubber band and secure it on the catch located on the center of the axle. Pull the car backwards to wind the band around the axle, then release to propel the car forward.

Educational Toys